2024 CAF Awards: President Tinubu Hails Ademola Lookman, Nnadozie, Super Falcons For Making Nigeria Proud - EDU-BIZNEWS

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Tuesday, December 17, 2024

2024 CAF Awards: President Tinubu Hails Ademola Lookman, Nnadozie, Super Falcons For Making Nigeria Proud




President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his excitement at the achievements of Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman who has been crowned as the 2024 CAF Men’s African Footballer of the Year 

President Tinubu In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, also hailed Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie for clinching the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award and the Super Falcons for being named the Women’s National Team of the Year.

Tinubu in the statement, appreciated the trio for making Nigeria, as a country proud during the awards ceremony organized by the Confederation of African Football 
on Monday night at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.

‘‘These athletes embody the essential Nigerian Spirit. They signpost the best in us as a nation. Let no one ever write us off. I am incredibly proud of them.

‘‘Thank you for making Nigeria proud and keeping our flag flying"

"‘Thank you for winning medals for Nigeria both at home and abroad. You will win more in the future,’’ the President was quoted as saying.

The President Tinubu joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating these athletes, describing them as worthy ambassadors for showcasing their talent and bringing honour to the country on the continental and world stage.

The President believed that this recognition by Africa’s highest football authority would inspire other upcoming athletes to remain steadfast in pursuing their dreams.

He affirmed that their determination, discipline and confidence underscore the administration’s resolve to build a better Nigeria where everyone thrives and succeeds.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria forward shook off competitions from South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, Cote d’Ivoire’s Simon Adingra, Achraf Hakimi of Morocco, and Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy to win the prize.

With the award, Nigeria recorded back to back success, producing the most outstanding player on the continent,  having won the award in 2023 through Lookman's team-mate, Victor Osimhen who plies his trade with Galatasaray Football club in Turkey, after very successful season with the Italian giants , Napoli whom he led to the historic Scuddeto League title in Seria A after 30 years 

The Atalanta of Italy player, who personally received the award in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday night, described it something as “incredible” which he is “extremely proud of.


Reminiscing on his past struggles as a footballer, the 27-year-old advised young people never to allow their past failures define their future.

Just over four years ago I failed in front of the world, fast forward to four years I am the best player in Africa,” Lookman recalled.

“I want to say to the young children and young people watching this ‘don’t let your failures weigh you down that they break your wings, turn your pain into your power and continue to fight and continue to fly’, God bless!”

The prize is a recognition of Lookman’s outstanding exploits for the Super Eagles and his club side Atalanta. 

He was in scintillating form as Nigeria reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast this year, scoring some vital goals in the process.

Atalanta won its first European trophy in the club’s 104 years of existence in May thanks to Lookman’s ingenuity.

 The Nigerian scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen to hand the coveted trophy to his club.

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